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Using Offline Mode on 4th Generation Tablo Devices

Tablo Support - Chris
Tablo Support - Chris
  • Updated

4th Generation Tablo devices require an active internet connection to function optimally. 

Without it, Tablo can’t provide 100+ free streaming channels to supplement your antenna TV viewing, update TV guide data or perform a handful of other minor tasks.

Previously, a lack of internet or Tablo server connection also prevented the viewing of live over-the-air (OTA) TV and completed recordings.

Now with Offline Mode, if you have power, and your home Wi-Fi router can provide an active local network connection (LAN) between your Tablo and your streaming devices or smart TVs, you can still access live local broadcasts and previously recorded programming. 

 

tablo_offline_mode_network_diagram_final.png

 

Offline Mode makes Tablo features much more robust in the face of internet outages and server maintenance periods.

It is currently available on the following platforms:

  • Amazon Fire TV

  • Android TV

  • Apple TV 

  • iOS Mobile

  • Roku

Offline Mode will also be added to Samsung, LG and Android mobile apps in the coming months. 

 

Table of Contents

 

When Offline Mode Is Triggered

There are two scenarios where Offline Mode is triggered:

  • Internet Outage
    When your internet service provider suffers an outage, you will be prompted to enter Offline Mode. When your Tablo detects internet access has returned, you will be prompted to exit Offline Mode. Thanks to the 14 days of TV guide data stored on the Tablo device, you should be covered for all but the most catastrophic outages.
  • Server Outage/Slowdown
    If your external internet access is fine but Tablo prompts you to enter Offline Mode, the Tablo servers are likely experiencing an issue. Whether it is an unplanned or a planned server maintenance period, you’ll still be able to enjoy OTA TV and your recorded shows, thanks to Offline Mode.

One additional scenario could lead to a situation where Offline Mode would not be triggered, and temporarily disable your Tablo until it can regain an internet connection..

  • Power Outage Followed By Internet Outage
    When severe weather rolls through or you have a planned power outage in your area and your power goes out, your Tablo will reboot once power is restored. During the reboot process, it will reach out for the current time via your ISP's servers. If your Tablo cannot secure the current time, none of your applications will be able to access your Tablo until its internet connectivity is restored.

Our product team is currently working on a solution that should allow Offline Mode to be triggered in this scenario.

 

How Offline Mode Works

When Tablo detects it doesn’t have an active connection to the internet or our servers, you’ll see a notification in your Tablo app that Offline Mode is required. There is no way to manually trigger Offline Mode within the Tablo app.

Select ENTER OFFLINE MODE to continue to watch live TV or completed recordings with your Tablo.

 

Enter_Offline_Mode.png

 

When you’re in Offline Mode, you’ll see a notification banner at the top of your screen, and some features will be unavailable. 

 

Offline_Mode_Live_Grid_Banner.png

 

 

How To Exit Offline Mode

When your Tablo detects that internet access has resumed, you’ll see a different notification banner and prompt to EXIT OFFLINE MODE.

Select EXIT OFFLINE MODE to step back into full Tablo functionality.

 

Offline_Mode_Live_Grid_Exit_Offline_Mode.png

 

When you quit or close the Tablo app while in Offline Mode, it will automatically return to full functionality the next time the app is launched if the Tablo detects that internet access has returned.

However, the app will remain in Offline Mode if the app has been left open or backgrounded.

 

Tablo Features Accessible in Offline Mode

The following features will be available to users when the Tablo app is in Offline Mode:

 

Offline_Mode_Live_Grid_2.png

 

Basic Live TV Screen & Playback

The full Live TV Grid is unavailable in Offline Mode. However, you will see essential details about what’s currently playing on each of your OTA channels. Selecting an item from the screen will begin playback of that channel from your antenna.

Any internet-based free streaming channels in your lineup will not be shown, nor will you be able to browse for upcoming programming with the in-player content tray.

 

Offline_Mode_Airing.png

 

Most Library Features

In Offline Mode, you’ll be able to browse, manage and play all your completed recordings, including those from free internet-based streaming channels.

However, Coming Soon and Conflicts will be disabled.

 

Offline_Mode_Library.png

 

Tablo Features Not Accessible in Offline Mode

Some Tablo features and functionality will not be available in offline mode, including:

  • Browsing the Home and Guide screens (TV shows, movies, sports and news)
  • Playback of any in-progress recordings
  • Coming Soon and Conflicts within the Library screen
  • Browsing for upcoming programming within the in-player content tray
  • Live playback of free streaming channels
  • Scheduling of new recordings
  • Triggering of previously scheduled recordings on free streaming channels
    • Previously scheduled recordings on over-the-air channels will still be triggered if your Tablo has not rebooted while it was in Offline Mode
  • Access to full TV guide data, including the Live TV Grid
  • Firmware updates
  • Changing any option within the Settings screen